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Post by DiA Dungeon Master on May 31, 2021 9:10:31 GMT
Everyone Welcome to Baldur's Gate, a veritable nest of rats and vioers clinging to the rocky slopes overlooking the Chionthar River. From their high perches in the Upper city, the local nobles -known as patriars- gaze down with veiled contempt upon the common rabble in the grimy Lower City, which hugs the foggy harbour. The whole of Baldur's Gate reeks of blood, crime, and opportunity. One can easily fathom why pirates and traders are drawn to this place like flies to a carcass. Following the river further east would eventually lead you to Elturel, capitL of the holy land of Elturgard- or at least that was the case until a few days ago. The flood of refugees from Elturel has gotten worse since news first arrived that the city had fallen. Everyone is saying Baldur's Gate is next, but no one truly knows who or hat has claimed Elturel.
The patriars pay a mercenary army called the Flaming Fist to protect their interests in Baldur's Gate, and by extension, the city itself. The Flaming Fist has gained even more power since their charismatic leader, Ulder Ravengard, claimed the title of Grand Duke a few years ago. Apparently, Ravengard is missing. In his absence, the Flaming Fist has sealed the city's gates to staunch the flow of refugees. No-one is allowed in or out. All of this was brought to your attention shortly after you were drafted by the Flaming Fist to help defend the city. Your orders are to speak to Captain Zodge at the Basilisk Gate, which pierces the city's eastern wall and takes its name from from the various statues that rest in its niches and perch atop its battlements. Unseen beyond the sealed Basilisk Gate, a dirt road stretches through the Outer City slums to the bridge known as Wyrm's Crossing, then to distant lands beyond.
Dozens of Flaming Fist soldiers are trying to control an angry mob of commoners eager to leave the city. Armed with only a vague description of Captain Zodge -a tall man with long black hair and a leather eye patch- it takes you a while to find him. A fight breaks out between soldiers and commoners, and you finally spot the one-eyed captain as he wades into the fray and begins throwing punches. Just another day in the City of Blood.
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Fang
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by Fang on Jun 25, 2021 3:08:30 GMT
Instinctually Fang sniffs the air letting out a deep grunt. He looks down at his smaller compatriot Jessica Longguard with a his usual grumpy look. "Would you like the pleasure of addressing Captain Zodge." Fang looks at his other co-conspirators. "Or would one of you like to take the lead on this?"
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Eliza
Junior Member
Posts: 34
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Post by Eliza on Jun 25, 2021 15:17:13 GMT
The auburn-haired Eliza sighs in frustration as she walks with her new compatriots. Am I ever gonna get to sail again? How long do I have to work for these flaming bastards? Why did I think it was a good idea to overthrow an actual official? Eliza's thoughts are cut-off as she sees a large melee break loose. She closes her eyes, flattens her lips, and tries as hard as she can not to facepalm. Once she opens her eyes once more, she spots the party's target, Captain Zodge. "That's our man no? Only one with an eye-patch plus, he's already fighting. Also, from what I've seen with the command structure in this organization, short that may be, the higher you are on the ladder the more prone you are for violence, so he's definitely at least a captain."
At Fang's question Eliza looks up at the large, bestial man before shaking her head. "I don't think he's up for talking right now, maybe we should help with controlling the situation. Wouldn't do to piss off our new boss so early and it might even gain us some favor. I say we jump in there, good first impression no?."
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Fang
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by Fang on Jun 25, 2021 16:39:07 GMT
Fang exhales in an annoyed snort as he looks about the commoners. He looks lo Eliza then giving her an affirming nod. "You want me to handle it?" He looks to compatriots for confirmation.
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Eliza
Junior Member
Posts: 34
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Post by Eliza on Jun 26, 2021 0:25:21 GMT
Eliza steels herself and playfully flexes a bicep before chuckling. "I'm not exactly the brawny type but I got your back!" She waits for the large man to move on ahead before following behind him, assisting him should he require it.
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Sonio
Junior Member
Posts: 51
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Post by Sonio on Jun 26, 2021 5:29:40 GMT
Sonio places himself at Fang's side, ready to jump to walk into the brawl. His shield ready to be an icebreaker. He points to his less brawl-adapted companions to get behind him. From his height, he watches the fight unveil with steady eyes on the captain, but he speaks no words.
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Fang
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by Fang on Jun 26, 2021 6:11:01 GMT
Fang begins to wade through the commoners towards Captain Zodge. As he get to the point where he is standing in front of the captain he turns toward the mob. Fang bares his oversized canines towards the gathered group of people and then grabs one of them and shoves them backwards into the rest of the crowd.
(Athletics +6)
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Post by Aunna | Jessica on Jun 26, 2021 12:42:04 GMT
Jess was just as lost in tonight as Eliza was… and remained the way for some time. Finally, she came back to herself as Fang became involved in whatever was currently happening.
Having missed everything everyone said, she gave them an apologetic smile as the followed the shifter through the crowd. “Sorry… wasn’t paying much attention there…”
Shaking herself from her thoughts, she jumps in with Fang. Although she no where near as strong as Fang, she simply helps him where she can.
(Help action to Fang)
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Post by Gwendolyn on Jun 26, 2021 12:59:33 GMT
Gwen looked on at the brawl with the rioters with intense focus. She was use to violence and known to indulge zestfully herself when the cause seemed just. But what she looked at here didn’t seem just, just more bullying by the Flaming Fists she was somehow tied up with again. She sighed as the weight of her greatsword felt even heavier on her back now then ever, and approached the Captain and the mob while casting Thaumaturgy on herself. “Step away now before more of you are senselessly beaten or beaten senseless!” She says, with her voice booming at triple her natural volume towards the mob.
(Intimidation: +3)
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Post by DiA Dungeon Master on Jun 27, 2021 0:14:16 GMT
Everyone With the barbaric scene of the Flaming Fist officials joining their captain in throwing punches and roughhanding the refugees who scream out to be released from the city, Fang leads the charge into the crowd with Jessica and Sonio beside him, Sonio's shield acting as a plough to beat drive away the angry mob. Eliza and Gwendolyn follow behind the three leading, with Gwen casting a spell into her own voice and causing it to rise above the angry shouts and cries of the refugees. Most of the mob take notice of the small group now forcing their way towards the captain of the Flaming Fist patrol who has also taken notice and stopped throwing fists for a moment to watch the mob being parted by the group with a smirk on his face.
When the group gets close to Captain Zodge, Fang grabs at one of the instigators of the mob and bares his oversized teeth in a show of intimidation before sending him reeling back into the crowd, seemingly calming the crowd down a little. Captain Zodge gives a stern nod to the group before looking to his own men. "Thalkara, Issio, with me. The rest of you, keep this crowd down!" He barks towards the other men in his patrol who reach for batons to start pushing and beating anyone in the mob brave enough to continue the violent protest. Capatain Zodge looks to the recently arrived group and gestures for them to follow him away from the mob.
A few feet away from the mob, Captain Zodge turns and gives you everyone a sharp look that is accompanied by a raised eyebrow. "No introductions needed it seems. The refugee crisis has stoked fears that Baldur's Gate might suffer the same fate as Elturel, of which nothing remains but a hole in the ground, apparently. Our grand Duke, Ulder Ravengard, was visiting Elturel on a diplomatic mission when the city was destroyed. Coincidence? I think not. "The knights of Elturgard call themselves Hellriders. A few of them escaped the destruction and think we're to blame for Elturel's downfall. What a bunch of self righteous rabble-rousers! We're arresting them on sight, but that's left us shorthanded to deal with another problem. For that, I need your help." He sniffs heavily while looking around at you all to gauge reactions. Before anyone can answer he turns to one of the two men in his patrol that accompanied him and reaches out a hand. The soldier nods and reaches into a pocket before pulling out copper badges and handing them to Captain Zodge.
Captain Zodge then hands one copper badge to each of you. Taking a closer look at the badges, you can see they each bear the Flaming Fist's coat of arms. "These badges will give you license to act in my name, but do not let me catch you using it for any nefarious purposes, or be it your head." His eye glass towards each of you as he sternly delivers his warning. "Baldur's Gate has long been plagued by followers of the Dead Three- the gods Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. I thought we had wiped them out, but apparently not. These purveyors of fear and death are taking advantage of the current crisis to commit murder sprees throughout the city. As my newly appointed deputies in this matter, you'll have license to kill these wretches on sight. Find their lair, and wipe it out. Eliminate anyone who gets in your way, and don't worry about collateral damage. "If you do what I say, I'll see that you each receive two-hundred gold pieces in addition to my gratitude, which is worth considerably more. "A few blocks from the Basilisk Gate is Elfsong Tavern. A spy named Tarina hangs out there, gathering rumours for the Guild. She owes me a favour, so tell her you work for me. Ask her what she knows about the Dead Three. And, for the love of Balduran, be nice. Tarina has dangerous friends. Any questions, or can I dismiss you now and get back to breaking up this bunch of degenerates?!" He spits towards the end.
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Post by Gwendolyn on Jun 27, 2021 1:12:45 GMT
Gwen’s spirits lift and the weight on her back grows lighter as she hears the news. A bunch of vile murders and a license to kill, her respect for the Captain grows in choosing her for this mission. Her false smile turns genuine. “Those vile murders won’t last long with us on the case. Justice will be served and those deemed guilty will be smote.” Gwen says taking the badge and placing it under her armour to retrieved when needed. “I have no further questions, just burning desire and intent.” she finishes then turns the others “I am ready to move when you are.”
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Fang
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by Fang on Jun 27, 2021 4:03:48 GMT
Fang grunts with a nod understanding to the captain. He takes note of the captain's warnings about their contact. He then looks down to Jessica, "ready when you are."
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Post by Aunna | Jessica on Jun 27, 2021 4:18:17 GMT
A thumb runs over the copper badge, feeling the lines that make out the insignia. Securing the badge, she looks over at the captain, shaking her head. “Nope. No questions from me.”
She goes over everything, just to verify, “Elfsong Tavern. Trina. Dead Three. Be nice.” Her head bob’s neck and fury as she hums a bit, “I think that about covers it.”
Jess begins to move forward, heading towards the Elfsong Tavern.
‘A license to kill…’ The was a lot of power in that badge… She’d have to make sure she didn’t lose it, else it could fall into the wrong hands.
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Fang
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by Fang on Jun 27, 2021 4:22:22 GMT
Fang pockets the badge, following behind Jessica.
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Eliza
Junior Member
Posts: 34
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Post by Eliza on Jun 27, 2021 6:13:33 GMT
Eliza examines the copper badge for a second and a small grin forms on her face. 'Now that could be useful' she thinks to herself. Afterwards, she stuffs the badge in her backpack before looking at Captain Zodge. "Execute a bunch of murderers. Got it. As for this Tarina lady, does she have any defining features that we can spot so we know for sure it's her? um- Captain?" The captain addition comes out slightly awkward, almost forced as Eliza is still new to addressing individuals by their rank.
After receiving answer or not, she will move to follow the rest of the group towards Elfsong tavern.
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Sonio
Junior Member
Posts: 51
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Post by Sonio on Jun 27, 2021 7:16:33 GMT
Sonio lets out a sigh of relief. After all their work didn't passed unnoticed and a new captain is leading the fight against those vile cultists. He is ready to shed the light of Illmater onto them. He looks a bit worried that he can't stay here and make sure the soldier won't use violence against the innocents, but he nods at the captain in agreement and hides the badge under the plates of his armour.
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Post by DiA Dungeon Master on Jun 30, 2021 11:27:17 GMT
Everyone Captain Zodge gives a nod of approval at the responses he gets towards the mission he has set. He goes to turn away before Eliza asks for more information on Tarina. "Not really much to her. Often found gambling upstairs. Bit of a cocky smile. Now you're all dismissed." He barks towards you all before turning and making his way back towards the crowd of refugees, his two men following in uniform.
Moving away from the Basilisk Gate and into the streets proper of Baldur's Gate, the crowd thins out to a few people making their own way through the city to their own business. It's not long before you come across Elfsong Tavern, a regular looking establishment that is marked as a tavern with a sign above the entrance that reads 'Elfsong Tavern'. Walking through the entrance you are immediately met with a suit of full armour on the left side that swivels its head towards you all, and a large female ogre on the right who sniffs at your arrival. Well-armed patrons huddle around tables and private booths in the main room. Three padded chairs are angled towards a fireplace on the east wall, underneath a wooden staircase that looks to climb towards the second floor. A bar sits near the north wall of the main room where an elderly gentleman pours ale for customers, while two younger men take the poured drinks to tables and meals brought out from a supposed kitchen door that is to the right of the bar in the north wall. Next to the door is a couch where a drunken male human is passed out, looking as if he is going to fall off of the sofa and onto the hardwood floor.
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Sonio
Junior Member
Posts: 51
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Post by Sonio on Jun 30, 2021 11:46:10 GMT
Sonio walks up to the unconscious man and puts him in a less dangerous position and let the others lead the search for Tarina.
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Fang
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by Fang on Jun 30, 2021 14:02:52 GMT
Fang sniffs at the female ogre in return and regards the large individual with a respectful nod.
He makes his way into the tavern and toward the Barkeep. He leans down low onto the bar making himself appear much smaller than his normal frame. He watches the barkeep until he gains his attention. "Tarina here? We are ment to speak with her regarding a request."
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Post by Gwendolyn on Jun 30, 2021 22:28:01 GMT
Gwen gives Sonio a small smile and a nod in approval of the act of kindness and joins Fang at the bar incase either her charm or muscle is needed.
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